Underwater observatory plan for Granite Island
Granite Island could be reinvigorated by a proposed marine tourism venture that would enable visitors to swim with and hand-feed fish from an offshore underwater observatory.
The plan by Oceanic Victor Pty directors Tony Santic and Michael Dyer has already passed a preliminary assessment by the State Government, with the next stage requiring community consultation and a comprehensive business plan.
“Granite Island is a South Australian icon and Oceanic Victor has a vision to establish it as South Australia’s premier marine discovery centre,” company spokesperson Emma Forster told ABC 891 this morning.
“We’ve been told … there’s around 500,000 people that cross the Granite Island causeway [from Victor Harbor].
“It’s a master-plan for the island and we have a strong belief that, yes, it will be a successful tourism venture and it will be a fantastic thing for the Victor Harbor region and South Australia.”
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The venture would be based at the Granite Island kiosk. From there, a vessel would transport visitors to an aquarium with underwater viewing platform from which they can swim with and feed the fish. Forster indicated that the kiosk and Granite Island Penguin Centre would also be incorporated in the Oceanic Victor master-plan.
Victor Harbor District Council currently operates a horse-drawn tram which takes visitors across the causeway to the island. The little penguins are a key attraction, with guided tours available daily at dusk, and “pop-up” food events have also been hosted recently near the kiosk in an effort to boost the island’s appeal.
Environment Minister Ian Hunter acknowledged that the island, which is crown land and mostly designated as a conservation park, was “a little run-down”.
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He said the marine tourism venture was an opportunity to reinvigorate it.
“We’re very keen to explore every opportunity to generate tourism ventures that make the most of our clean, green image,” he said.
“This proposal has the potential to promote Granite Island and the Fleurieu region, and develop an exciting visitor experience that works hand-in-hand with the region’s marine parks.”
Even if Oceanic Victor’s proposal is successful, Hunter said the island would remain a “shared-use facility”.
He said the project was being considered in accordance with the Government’s guidelines for assessing unsolicited proposals.
“This proposal has already passed through the first stage of the process, involving a preliminary assessment of whether it delivers good outcomes for the community.
“Now, the project’s proponent will need to provide a comprehensive business case to be assessed through the relevant government agencies. If the proposal is accepted, the Government will then begin contract negotiations with the proponent.”
Asked on radio about the time frame for the venture, Forster said: “We would envisage hopefully this year.”
